About the GYPI
Mission & Vision
Mission: To assess and map out the inclusion and participation of youth worldwide in civic and political affairs, using a data-driven approach that identifies gaps, challenges, and opportunities, and provide actionable insights for researchers, policymakers, and youth advocates.
Vision: Active youth involvement in politics and inclusion, where young people in society are fully understood, valued, and supported, and have the tools to shape democratic governance and drive social and political change.
Importance of Youth Participation
Youth participation is crucial for the representativeness and stability of democracy. With half of the world’s population under 30, young people must be included in formal political processes, as their involvement ensures that policies reflect their needs and aspirations. Excluding young people from decision-making processes undermines the principles of democracy and can lead to increased disengagement and diminished trust in political systems. By actively participating, young people can contribute to shaping democratic governance, address key socio-economic issues, and foster social equity, justice, which are vital for building stable and peaceful societies.
Partners and Contributors
Led by the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD)
European Partnership for Democracy (EPD) brings together organisations committed to advocating for democratic values and strengthening European democracy support through collaboration. The GYPI has been created within the framework of the WYDE Civic Engagement project, led by EPD, that is part of the Women and Youth in Democratic Engagement (WYDE) project funded by the European Commission.
With the knowledge of the University of Birmingham
The Centre for Elections, Democracy, Accountability and Representation (CEDAR) at the University of Birmingham is a dynamic hub for researchers, policymakers, civil society actors, and activists dedicated to exploring the forces that shape representative and accountable governance worldwide. The research for the GYPi was delivered through the CEDAR was conducted by a team of five researchers at leading universities around the world :
- Brit Anlar, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Amsterdam
- Nic Cheeseman, Professor of Democracy, University of Birmingham
- Kirstie Lynn Dobbs, Assistant Professor of Practice, Merrimack College
- Lien Nguyen, Assistant Professor of Practice, Merrimack College
- Sarah Pickard, Professor of Contemporary British Politics, Society and Culture, Université Sorbonne Nouvelle (USN)
And The Youth Panel
The GYPI Youth Panel brings together ten inspiring young leaders from across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This diverse group plays a central role in shaping the Index, regularly coming together to reflect on its design, discuss what the data means for young people today, and share ideas on how to break down the barriers that hold youth back from fully participating in political, civic, and economic life:
- Fizza Mehak Batool,
- Peter Edwin,
- Daniel Ekomo-Soignet,
- Melissa Sarah Hamalambo,
- Mumbiko King'ori,
- René Edouard Mendis,
- Muriu Muigo,
- Daisi Omokungbe,
- María Virginia Paglia,
- Dexter Yang.
FAQs
Have questions about the GYPI? Explore our FAQs to better understand how the GYPI works, what it measures, where the data comes from, and how you can use it for advocacy, research, or policy change.
What is the GYPI in a nutshell?
The Global Youth Participation Index (GYPI) is a comprehensive and comparative index measuring youth participation globally. It measures how young people (ages 15-30) engage across four dimensions: Socio-Economic dimension, Civic Space dimension, Political Affairs dimension, and Elections dimension.
Why was the GYPI created?
The Global Youth Participation Index was created with the aim of providing key insights into the state of youth political participation, identifying gaps, trends, and opportunities for improvement to empower young people and strengthen democratic resilience worldwide.
How was the methodology developed?
The GYPI methodology was developed from a scoping study of existing youth political participation indexes, followed by a desk review and stakeholder interviews to identify 41 key variables essential for understanding youth participation. Further data collection was conducted with country consultants to ensure comprehensive coverage of these variables across four dimensions of participation in 141 countries.
How does the GYPI differ from other indices?
Among the first of its kind, this index gathers comprehensive, comparative, reliable (and searchable) data on youth political participation globally, in many different forms. The report on the findings from the pilot study for the GYPI shows the platform's potential for informing better research and inspiring a wide range of individuals and groups to demand more inclusion for youth.
What are the four dimensions of the GYPI?
- Socio-Economic : Opportunities for youth in education and the labour market
- Civic Space: Capacity of youth to express themselves and participate in civic life
- Political Affairs: Representation and participation of youth in formal politics
- Elections: Barriers and opportunities to vote and engage with electoral processes
How are countries scored in the GYPI?
Each country receives a score from 0 (low) to 100 (high) for each dimension and for the overall GYPI. These scores are averages of 41 variables, each also normalised on a 0–100 scale.
Which countries are included in the GYPI?
The GYPI includes 141 countries. Countries were included if data was available for at least 85% of the 41 variables. Countries with insufficient data are not ranked, but the available data is still published for transparency and further use.
Where does the data come from?
Data sources include international surveys and datasets like the Afrobarometer, Arab Barometer, V-Dem, Youth Development Index, World Values Survey and many others. Where public data was missing, local consultants conducted original research.
Can I access and download the raw data?
Yes. The full dataset, codebook, and methodology are freely available at http://gypi.epd.eu/dataset. Users are encouraged to use the data for their own research, analysis, or advocacy efforts.
How often is the GYPI updated?
The GYPI is designed to be updated periodically, incorporating new data as it becomes available. The 2025 edition is the inaugural version, and future editions will reflect changes in participation and structural conditions.
Does the GYPI measure actual youth behaviour or opportunities to participate?
Primarily, the GYPI measures the conditions and structures that enable or hinder youth participation. While some variables capture actual engagement (e.g., petition signing, voting turnout), most measure the quality of access and opportunity.
Why doesn’t the GYPI use weighted variables?
To avoid imposing subjective assumptions about which variables matter most, the GYPI uses equal weighting. This allows researchers and users to apply their own frameworks and build on the dataset according to their priorities.
Can I build my own version of the index?
Absolutely. The GYPI was created to be open and adaptable. Researchers and organisations are invited to develop their own versions, using different weightings, additional variables, or country-specific comparisons.
What are the main limitations of the GYPI?
While comprehensive, the GYPI faces some data limitations, especially in low-data countries. Some key variables, like trust in political parties or youth party wings, are difficult to measure consistently. The GYPI reflects structures, not necessarily youth motivation or activism.
How should I interpret a low GYPI score?
A low score does not mean youth are apathetic. Instead, it typically signals barriers to participation, such as restrictive laws, low investment in education, or lack of youth representation. Youth often engage despite these challenges.
Who can use the GYPI?
The GYPI is designed for young people, youth-led organisations, NGOs, donors, policymakers, academics, and anyone interested in promoting inclusive, participatory societies. It’s both a research tool and an advocacy resource.